Best Gun Cleaning Kits: Top 6 Kits to Keep Your Gun in Tiptop Shape

If you own a gun, you know there is much responsibility with safety being the first consideration. Once you get to know your gun, how it works and feels, and you understand the basic safety regulations, you can then move on to other aspects of owning a gun.

Maintenance is an important factor in owning a gun, wouldn’t you agree? A gun is a mechanical assembly. As with all mechanicals, a gun needs regular maintenance. Beyond understanding how your gun operates, the next most basic, yet critical rule of gun ownership is to clean your firearm at a steady cadence.

Cleaning your firearm on a routine basis is essential to your safety as well as those of others. If you maintain cleanliness of your gun, it will function at its best, and you will rarely, if ever, experience operational issues associated with poor maintenance.

Developing a planned cleaning schedule may be helpful. For instance, you can plan to clean your firearm after every two hundred rounds. Just make sure you keep track of the rounds in order not to confuse yourself. The best gun cleaning kit will be the focus of this article to help you decide which kit will fit your needs.

Things to Consider Before Buying

As expected, each gun cleaning kit will have certain unique features that make it stand out, however, every gun cleaning kit needs the essential items to be of value. Following is a brief description of what to expect from each gun cleaning kit at a minimum.

Calibers & Versatility

These are the first two important features that you must consider. You need a cleaning system that can clean a variety of calibers and gauges. Look for kits that state “universal” as they may have the greatest range of gun cleaning tools.

The design should be compact, an all in one cleaning solution that will not only simplify but also speed up the maintenance of your calibers of guns. The unit should provide you with more than just cleaning items; it should provide you accessories, such as Leatherman MUT, high-quality gun oil, and gun cleaner.

Running the Gun: Gun Cleaning Safety

You are strongly urged to follow all the rules of safe gun handling while cleaning your gun. The very first step that you must initiate is unloading your gun and placing all the live ammunition away from your cleaning area. Then recheck your firearm to confirm there are no remaining cartridges in the gun.

Make sure your gun cleaning area is free of other people or pets, and ensure that the muzzle is not pointing at anyone. Always consult a cleaning guide if you are not sure of what you are doing.

Cold Clean Bore: Must-Have Items in Every Kit

A gun cleaning kit can come with high-quality gun oil, gun cleaner, and even Leatherman MUT, but the cleaning items contained inside the case are the ones that will determine the effectiveness of your cleaning process. Here is a list of the essential cleaning items and their uses.

Bore Snakes

They are designed in different sizes and shapes so as to put up with a variety of bore sizes. Bore snakes are a long stretch of padding linked to a long string. You can oil or lubricate the string, and then pull it through your gun’s barrel to complete the weapon cleaning process in a single pull.

However, you need to use them decently or else they will become dirty in one cleaning process. Also, the bore snake is not a substitute for a regular, deep, thorough cleaning

Cleaning Cloth

This is one of the most valuable items in a cleaning kit. You can use it to rub the exterior of your firearm. It is also useful for applying gun cleaner or oil to your weapon.

Of note, these cloths should be soft and absorbent. They also should not leave lint behind. There are special cloths made of a variety of materials that work for cleaning such as microfiber, silicone, and cotton flannel.

Utility Brush

This is simply a soft-bristled brush that you can use to clean the outer parts of your firearm. You can use it to dust as well as scrub the trigger, sites, and butt plate. It is the best tool for getting rid of sediments. Brushes can be found with different bristle softness or rigidity to use on various areas of your gun.

They also come in a variety of styles. One resembles a shaving brush with soft bristles. Others look like a toothbrush with a different brush on each end. And yet others are curved with a better grip. Finally, there are also battery powered brushes for those hard to clean areas.

Picks

A set of picks can come in handy for cleaning small spaces like a patterned area in the grip or a decorative spot on the gun. These look like tools a dentist would use, but they work perfectly for cleaning small, hard to reach places.

Cloth Patches

These are among the most necessary and versatile items in your cleaning kit. You can use them to clean the interior as well as the exterior of your gun. To utilize patches, you have to attach them to an adaptor at the end section of a bore cleaning rod.

Then you have to drive them through your gun’s barrel to clean. These patches come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Cloth patch sizes match the caliber of the gun. You can get them by the roll or individually cut patches

Rod Adaptors

These are simply styles of clasps, hooks, and clips. They are fastened at the ends of your cleaning rods so as to lodge bore brushes, cleaning clothes, and cloth patches. Watch for caliber sizes, so you get the right adaptors for your guns.

Bore Brush

This is best defined as a brush bore cleaning rod adaptor that you have to fasten at the end of a bore cleaning rod.

Then you have to drive it through your gun’s barrel to scrub off sediment from the interior of the barrel.

Bore Cleaning Rod

This is a thin metal piece that you use to attach a brush, cleaning pad or a cloth patch to the end of an adaptor. Then you can drive it through your firearm’s barrel. Bore cleaning rods come in a variety of lengths so as to fit different kinds of guns.

Top Products on Today’s Market

We have selected the top gun cleaning kits that contain the essentials and range from small, easy to carry kits all the way to large kits that contain everything you need for every caliber of gun you own. We have tried to draw out unique features for each kit. Take a look and see which one fits your style and needs best.

The Real Avid Gun Boss is a complete handgun cleaning kit for the money. It is lightweight and has compact dimensions. This cleaning kit is well organized and designed to provide you with easy cleaning of your gun.

Bores are protected by the phosphor bronze brushes, slotted tips, nylon jags, and aluminum connectors. It is highly resourceful gear that will clean almost any handgun in your possession.

The most notable features of this gear kit are compact, weather resistant travel case; patches; secure hold organization tray; ability to clean .45 cal. & .22 cal.; and 2 section rod systems. Therefore, you can use it in wet as well as dry conditions without it getting damaged.

The Hoppe’s Universal Gun Cleaning Kit is one of the ones you can buy. To begin with, it has the best cleaning gear for shotguns and pistols. It comes with a three-piece universal aluminum cleaning rod that is highly resourceful and versatile.

The specs that make this kit versatile are four slotted ends well-matched for .22 caliber; .30 caliber; and 12/16/20/.410 gauge; five swabs well-suited for .45/.40/.270/.22/.38/.35 calibers and 12/20 gauge; and nine phosphor bronze brushes well-matched for 12/20/.410 gauge, .44/.45/40/10mm/.357/9mm/ .30/.270/7mm/.22 calibers.

A great feature in this kit is labeling. The brushes in the kit are labeled, making it easier for you to identify. Therefore, you will always be able to choose the correct brush for the correct caliber/ gauge.

The casing that holds the gear is well-made; therefore, the contents are well-secured when carrying the kit from one location to another.

The covering has a light lining on the interior, while the exterior has a HOPPE’s logo proudly exhibited. If you are a fan of large displays, such as logos on your tools/ equipment, then this is the right gear for you.

It’s an aluminum covering; therefore, it presents you with quality as well as beauty. The cleaning patches are of good size. The rods fasten together neatly, and the brushes fit in each barrel as you would expect them to. This is the best gun cleaning kit if you are looking for one universal kit that will cover a variety of calibers.

PROS:

Handles shotguns and pistols

Brushes with labels according to size

One universal kit for a full range of calibers

CONS:

It is not a kit for the field due to its size.

Related: A set of Hoppes Lubricating Oil is a great addition to this gun kit, to help you keep your lubricate your gun, especially since is long lasting and ideal for firearms.

The Outers .30 Caliber Cleaning Kit is the best .30 caliber rifle cleaning gear for the money. A unique aspect of this set is its brass construction. It is the best model for serious gun owners, such as target shooters and hunters.

It comes with heavy duty, solid brass rods along with some high-quality brushes, mops, loops, and jags. The brass design helps minimize the risk of barrel and chamber damage.

Each of these tools and equipment is specifically designed to help you clean the various parts of your gun at ease. This kit is designed with undiminished enthusiasm along with accurate focus, aspects which make it the best seller. Its custom parts organizers offer you convenience as well as planned access to all the tools and equipment.

PROS:

Available in a variety of calibers

Heavy duty, solid brass rods minimizing any barrel or chamber damage

CONS:

Each kit is for a particular caliber. It is available in other calibers, but you would have to buy each kit separately.

There is no carrying case. You could integrate these tools into another cleaning kit.

Related: When you need to properly maintain your firearm, perhaps having more cleaning jags to use with this kit is a better option. Use this Redneck Convent Brass Jag Set for your .17 to .45 caliber rifles 6mm to 9mm and you’ll be covered.

The Dac Winchester Gun Care Case is a well-designed, soft sided case for the money. You do not have to go through many reviews to find a nice cleaning kit. Based on positive reviews, the DAC Winchester super deluxe kit is what you need.

This kit offers you simplicity and affordability. Instead of purchasing the individual items (which is expensive), you should just go ahead and buy the whole kit.

This is the best gun cleaning kit if you want great organization, portability, and easy storage. Each piece has a particular place in the kit. Each brush and adapter fit inside a plastic protective cover.

PROS:

Great organization with a specific spot for each tool

Easily portable, soft-sided carrying case

CONS:

Lacks a user’s manual to help understand which pieces work together for each caliber.

Even though the rods are brass, they may be a little light.

Related: The DAC Winchester is a large kit. A great companion to this kit is UTG Firearm Cleaning Mat that will help keep your tools, guns, and equipment together in an orderly fashion while you are cleaning your guns. It has a rubberized backing to hold it in place and is solvent resistant.

The M-Pro 7 Small Advanced Arms is the most versatile small arms cleaning gear for the money. M-Pro 7 particularly manufactured this kit for the U.S. military.

It comprises of everything that you need to clean and maintain your military-style gun correctly. It is made to provide you with a compact, all-in-one cleaning gear to simplify as well as speed-up your gun’s maintenance process.

The cleaning system comes with Leatherman MUT, gun oil LPX, and the best gun cleaner. The gun cleaner helps you improve your gun’s performance by getting rid of fouling along with embedded carbon.

The cleaner also conditions the gauge, preventing any future buildup. The gun oil LPX delivers unmatched shield against moisture, humidity, and wear. The Leatherman MUT Tool provides you with specific features for gun maintenance and general utility.

The general components of M-Pro7 include a weapon maintenance guide; a lockable plastic case; a mobile field pouch; and magnet pad.

The Otis Elite Cleaning System 1000 is the most original gun cleaning kit that you can buy. This unit is engineered to work with all firearms, including all inline muzzle holders; .410 to 10/12 gauge shotguns; .17 to .50 caliber pistols; and .17 to .50 caliber rifles.

The kit’s first cleaning unit is the 750-tactical cleaning system. This system consists of the entire line of bronze bores as well as chamber cleaning brushes.

The second critical system is the optics cleaning gear, which is resourceful for caring and maintaining of rangefinders and scopes. There is an obstruction removal kit for blockages and jammed cases.

This unit is consistent with the concept of responsible and safe gun ownership. This kit will always remind you that cleaning and maintaining your gun are the two most important activities for a gun user. If you are looking for portability, organization, and versatility, Otis Elite is the kit to buy.

This is the best gun cleaning kit if you want an accurate universal kit that is organized with tools and equipment to clean virtually every type and every caliber of gun.

PROS:

Made to be used with ALL firearms of every caliber

Portability, organization, and versatility

Optics cleaning gear for your scopes

CONS:

The rods have a certain amount of flexibility that does not give enough pressure to clean the barrel very well.

Does not include gun oil and solvent

Related: With a name like Elite, you know this kit comes with many tools, attachments and brushes. A nice addition would be extra consumables such as Type-III Gun Cleaning Cotton Swabs. One end is pointed for those small edged places. The other end is rounded for a multiple of uses.

Wrap Up

You can only be certain that your gun will not suffer from wear and tear by removing any and every sediment and moisture from its various parts. The effectiveness of your cleaning process does entirely depend on the type of cleaning kit you use and the fact that you put it to use.

Use the most important features discussed in this post to help you make an informed purchasing decision. Remember, not all kits are made the same. The rule “quality over quantity” applies here. Some supplies may contain numerous items, but defective or holding less quality.

Therefore, choose quality, and do not mind spending a few extra bucks. Remember, the safety of you and your family depends on quality maintenance of your gun to ensure its proper functioning.

Do you have experience with a great gun cleaning kit? We would love to hear about your model and experiences. We enjoy reading your comments.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shawn Harrison

Shawn Harrison is our expert in hunting. He was born in Alaska, so hunting was his hobby since high school. Later, Shawn took a Hunter Training at Alaska Department of Fish and Game to structure his knowledge and now he is open to share his knowledge with our readers. Shawn is taking ‘Safety First’ approach on all of his trips, especially is some people are going hunting for the first time.

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